Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken Recipe

The Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken is a creamy, flavour-packed dish that brings the warmth of Italian cuisine to your table. Made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach, it’s the perfect comfort meal for busy weeknights or special dinners. This recipe combines rustic charm with Mary Berry’s signature simplicity, ensuring delicious results every time.

What Is Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken?

Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken is a creamy chicken dish inspired by the flavours of Tuscany. It features lightly pan-seared chicken breasts cooked in a luxurious sauce made with cream, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach. The sauce is silky, savoury, and infused with a touch of Italian herbs, making it ideal for serving with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

• Also Try: Mary Berry Chicken Recipes For Dinner Party

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Quick and elegant – Ready in under 30 minutes yet tastes restaurant-quality.
• Rich and creamy – Perfect balance of savoury and tangy flavours.
• Versatile dish – Pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
• One-pan recipe – Easy to cook and clean up afterward.
• Family favourite – Mildly seasoned and comforting for all ages.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken

• Chicken breasts – 4 boneless, skinless
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Butter – 1 tbsp
• Garlic cloves – 3, finely chopped
• Sun-dried tomatoes – 80g, sliced
• Baby spinach – 100g
• Double cream – 250ml
• Chicken stock – 100ml
• Grated Parmesan cheese – 40g
• Dried Italian herbs – 1 tsp
• Salt and black pepper – to taste

(Optional: a pinch of red chili flakes for heat)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large frying pan or skillet
• Tongs or a spatula
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and season the chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with kitchen paper. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.

Step 2: Sear the chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the base of the sauce

In the same pan, add the chopped garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavour.

Step 4: Add liquid ingredients

Pour in the chicken stock and double cream, stirring to combine. Scrape the pan to release any golden bits from the bottom — this adds depth to the sauce.

Step 5: Thicken and flavour the sauce

Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Add spinach and simmer

Stir in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt in the sauce. Return the chicken breasts to the pan and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until heated through and fully coated.

Step 7: Serve hot

Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh basil.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Sauce too thin – Simmered a bit longer or added extra Parmesan.
• Chicken too dry – Reduced searing time and finished cooking in the sauce.
• Overpowering creaminess – Balanced with a splash of chicken stock or lemon juice.
• Spinach overcooked – Added it just before serving to keep it bright and fresh.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken

• Use half cream and half milk for a lighter sauce.
• Replace butter with extra virgin olive oil.
• Add extra spinach or kale for more fibre.
• Use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried for less fat.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken

• Double cream – Use single cream, crème fraîche, or coconut cream.
• Parmesan cheese – Try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
• Sun-dried tomatoes – Replace with roasted red peppers.
• Spinach – Kale or Swiss chard works well.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken

• Mashed potatoes – Creamy base to soak up the sauce.
• Steamed rice – Keeps the meal light and balanced.
• Pasta – Penne or tagliatelle complements the creamy sauce.
• Crusty bread – Perfect for mopping up every drop.
• Roasted vegetables – Adds texture and colour to your plate.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken

• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Ensures even searing and browning.
• Use room-temperature chicken – Helps it cook evenly.
• Add cream off the heat – Prevents curdling or separation.
• Deglaze the pan – Enhances flavour with the browned bits.
• Serve immediately – The sauce thickens as it cools.
• Taste before serving – Adjust seasoning at the end for perfect balance.
• Add a touch of lemon – Brightens the dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken

• Tuscan pasta – Slice the chicken and toss it through fettuccine.
• Vegetarian version – Replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu.
• Cheesy bake – Sprinkle mozzarella on top and bake until golden.
• Spicy twist – Add chili flakes for extra heat.
• One-pot meal – Add cooked gnocchi or rice directly to the sauce.
• Herb variation – Try rosemary, oregano, or thyme instead of Italian seasoning.

Storing Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken the Right Way

• Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze – Freeze cooled chicken and sauce for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight – Reheat slowly to preserve the sauce texture.
• Keep covered – Prevents the sauce from drying out.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken (If Needed)

• Stovetop – Reheat over low heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave – Warm in 1-minute bursts until heated through.
• From frozen – Thaw overnight, then reheat gently in a pan.
• Add a splash of stock or milk – Helps restore creaminess.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Sugars: 3g
• Fat: 26g
• Fiber: 2g

Other Popular Chicken Recipes

• Mary Berry Coronation Chicken
• 1. Mary Berry Chicken Casserole
• Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur
• Mary Berry Chicken Tikka Masala
• Mary Berry Chicken Marbella

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FAQs

How do I thicken the sauce in Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken?

To thicken the sauce, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes until it reduces naturally. You can also stir in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan or a small spoon of cream cheese to add body and creaminess without overpowering the flavour.

Why is my Tuscan chicken sauce curdling?

The sauce may curdle if the cream is added while the pan is too hot. To prevent this, lower the heat before pouring in the cream and stir constantly. Adding the cream off the heat for a few seconds helps maintain a smooth and silky texture.

Can I make Mary Berry’s Tuscan Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat both together over low heat, adding a splash of stock or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

What can I use instead of double cream in Tuscan Chicken?

You can replace double cream with single cream, crème fraîche, or coconut cream for a lighter version. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use a mix of unsweetened oat cream or almond milk thickened with a little cornflour.

Wrapping It Up

The Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken is a comforting yet elegant dish that perfectly combines creamy richness with Italian-inspired flavours. Each bite offers tender chicken, a luscious sauce, and the earthy taste of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Simple to make and beautifully satisfying, this recipe is a guaranteed winner for family dinners or entertaining guests.